KL NEWS NETWORK
SRINAGAR
Pakistan on Friday briefed the Heads of Missions of the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council (China, France, Russian Federation, UK and USA) on the continued ceasefire violations on Line of Control (LoC) and the Working Boundary, especially in the past two months.
A statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office said that Foreign Secretary expressed grave concern over the increased frequency and duration of indiscriminate firing/shelling allegedly from Indian side, “deliberately” targeting villages and civilian populated areas, resulting in Shahadat of 26 civilians and injuries to 107, including women and children, “in complete disregard” of 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and of International Law.
“The Foreign Secretary deplored the use of artillery in Shahkot and Jura sectors on the LoC, on 09 November, 2016. He stated that the use of such heavy weaponry was resorted to by the Indian side after a gap of 13 years. Pakistan has been compelled to respond but with maximum restraint. The Armed Forces of Pakistan gave a befitting response. He expressed apprehension that Indian actions, which constituted a threat for the maintenance of peace and security, may lead to a strategic miscalculation,” the Foreign Office statement informed.
While emphasizing the important role of the United Nations Military Observers Group (UNMOGIP) which has the mandate for maintaining peace and tranquillity at the LoC and the Working Boundary, the Foreign Secretary noted that Pakistan is “fully cooperating and providing unfettered access” to UNMOGIP. “However,” he said, “India is not cooperative and limits their access.”
During the briefing, the statement informed, “representative of the Military Operations Directorate made a detailed presentation on the existing situation at the LoC and the Working Boundary.”
In response, the statement added, “the Heads of Missions assured that they would convey Pakistan’s concern to their respective capitals. They underscored the need for restraint, observance of ceasefire and dialogue to resolve issues.”
